CLIFF NOTES 
Top Logistics Headlines This Week

Domestic Freight Management

Drivers Protest ELD Mandate

In opposition of the upcoming ELD (Electronic Logging Device) mandate, truck drivers participated in protests across the country this week. The largest protests took place in Washington D.C. and California but have had limited impact on trucking operations. The demonstrations are scheduled to occur through the weekend. Click here to read more. 

YRC Discontinues Weekend Advantage Service

Please note that as of October 28, YRC Freight will discontinue Weekend Advantage (one day transit) on Accelerated shipments. No other changes will occur to Accelerated shipments scheduled to pick up or deliver on weekdays.

Air Cargo Growth Continues to Climb

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has reported that global air freight demand increased 12.1 percent during August 2017, compared to 2016. Five out of the last six monthly air cargo reports have yielded double-digit percentage growth. Click here to read more. 

Chinese Factory Audits & Closures Continue 

An estimated 18,000 factories across northern and eastern China have reportedly been closed as enforcement of environmental regulations continues.  According to the JOC, inspectors are expected to begin focusing on inland and southern operations near Chongqing, Guangdong and the Pearl River Delta. As a precautionary step, logistics teams are encouraged to communicate with suppliers as well as internal sourcing and procurement teams to understand contingency plans. 

Rhine Alpine Rail Route Reopens

Europe's largest rail freight corridor has reopened after being closed the last two months for repairs. It is estimated that between 100 and 200 freight trains per day were impacted, forcing cargo owners to reroute freight and incur additional costs. Click here to read more. 

Retail Consolidation

Walmart Buys Last-Mile Delivery Startup

Walmart Stores Inc. announced on Tuesday that it has acquired Parcel Inc., a last-mile startup company that delivers packages same-day, overnight and in scheduled two-hour windows. This purchase continues Walmart's recent acquisition spree which has included Bonobos and Jet.com. Click here to read more. 

Retail Jobs are Evolving

The shift towards increased online shopping sales is causing an evolution in retail jobs. Traditional department store jobs such as salespeople and cashiers have fallen to the lowest level in decades. However, non-store retail jobs like back-office functions and warehouse employees for major e-retailers are at record levels. Click here to read more about the shift.